As a Black conservative, it’s disheartening to see how often our voices are minimized or misunderstood.

We’re not here to serve as symbols or props for any agenda; we’re real people with genuine concerns for our families and our country. We share the same hopes, fears, and dreams for a better America. But the reality is that Black conservatives face a unique set of challenges that are often dismissed or ignored.

After all we’ve been through, from abolishing slavery to reaching the Civil Rights Movement, it’s painful to think that threats towards Black conservatives are seen as acceptable. It’s as if people silently say, “It’s okay to hurt that person—they’re already in the dirt.” But we are human. We are not just “strong Black women.” We are not stronger than anyone else, and we feel fear and hurt, too. When people threaten us, it’s not just “part of the job.” It’s a direct attack on our lives and our children’s lives, and it’s terrifying.

This is not about quitting or being ungrateful for the platform I’ve built. It’s about acknowledging my humanity. I’m a woman, a Black woman, and a conservative. Whether you’re a Black conservative man or woman, the world seems to think our lives are expendable. It’s as if the struggles we go through don’t matter because we don’t fit the narrative people expect.

Have we forgotten why the Civil Rights Act was enacted? Black people were being killed to keep them from voting, and here we are in 2024, facing threats for having a political opinion. And while there’s some acknowledgment of how horrible this is, it feels even more insulting to see so little done to protect us. How could you recognize our mistreatment and not put protections in place? Why is it okay for Black conservatives to face constant threats without any significant outrage or support?

Supporting a political party while Black often feels impossible unless it’s the side people expect us to choose. The pushback is intense, and I’m saddened by the lack of empathy or emotion towards the threats we face just for having a conservative stance. It’s not right, and it’s not fair. Black conservatives deserve protection, respect, and understanding. We are not props. We are people, with hopes, dreams, and fears, just like everyone else.